China's Xi mourns 'heavy losses' in shoe factory blaze

A devastating fire at the Huiteng Shoes factory in Jinjiang city, Fujian province, has led to significant casualties, prompting a strong response from President Xi Jinping. He described the losses as "heavy human losses" and urged that "no effort must be spared" in the search and rescue operations and in supporting the affected families. Xi also stressed the importance of quickly identifying the cause of the accident and holding those responsible strictly accountable. Fire and rescue teams were dispatched with 183 personnel and 35 vehicles to combat the blaze, which sent thick grey smoke billowing from the multi-story building. The incident occurred despite China's ongoing campaign against fire hazards in high-rise buildings, launched after a major fire in Hong Kong killed 168 people and a subsequent blaze in Guangdong province claimed 12 lives. Details on the exact number of injured or killed in the shoe factory fire have not yet been released, with some individuals reported as trapped and out of contact.

“

No effort must be spared in search and rescue operations and in supporting affected families.